“Additionally, Belgium demonstrates its commitment to maintaining peace and security in Africa, through participation in bilateral, European Union and United Nations missions in Mali, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he added.

Hagel and De Crem also discussed the situation in Syria, Little said, noting the importance of the international community's efforts to work together to secure and destroy Syria's chemical weapons.

"Secretary Hagel thanked Minister De Crem for his unwavering support on transatlantic security issues,” the press secretary said. “The leaders expressed their commitment to maintaining the close defense relationship shared by the United States and Belgium.”